Ss53-05 the Covid-19 Pandemic and the Essential Cardinal Rules for Crisis Communication in Mass Biological Events for Our Community of Practice

Abstract Introduction Over the last century, outbreaks and pandemics have occurred with disturbing regularity and we can expect more of them, whether like a Coronavirus, or some yet unknown pathogen. Effective public health surveillance, action and turnaround times requires an effective communication response and action. Materials and Methods This analysis examines crisis communication response to COVID-19 in business and public organizations as a reflection of individual country response. It analyzes how effectively necessary crisis responses were communicated to workers and communities using the CDC’s crisis and emergency risk communication (CERC) as its analytical framework. Results This analysis concludes offering essential cardinal rules of crisis communication and an underlying perspective - basically an initial ‘lessons learned’ for applying appropriate communication strategies and applications during a pandemic. This presentation is informed by the results of crisis communication analysis provided in Brazil, South Korea, Singapore and the United States. Conclusions Beyond surveillance there is a strong need to provide target audiences safety and health information they need when they need it, and to assure lack of mixed messages and be science driven. Messages themselves must be action oriented, clear and developed by individual audience understanding. The essentials of crisis communication assist workers, workplaces, and communities to be safe, cope mentally and connect to a deeper sense of purpose and resilience. Disclaimer The findings and conclusions in this paper are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of NIOSH.